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Living Free - July 17, 2013

"I patiently waited, LORD, for you to hear my prayer. You listened and pulled me from a lonely pit full of mud and mire. You let me stand on a rock with my feet firm, and you gave me a new song, a song of praise to you. Many will see this, and they will honor and trust you, the LORD God." - Psalm 40:1-3 CEV

Thoughts for Today

How long, Lord?

Have you ever said those words? How long until my prayer is answered? How long until things get better? How long do you want me to do this without seeing results?

When Joseph was sold into slavery and later spent years in prison, he must have asked, "How long, Lord?" When Moses led the Israelites around and around in the wilderness, he surely thought, "How long, Lord?" When Noah was ridiculed for more than 120 years while he built an ark on dry land, he must have wondered, "How long, Lord?" But each one of these godly heroes trusted God. They respected him enough to continue obeying him even when it seemed that all hope was gone.

Consider this …

Perhaps you are involved in a ministry that seems to go nowhere. And yet, you know the Lord wants you there.

Maybe you have been praying for an unsaved loved one for many years. Or perhaps you have a business that just doesn't come together, but the Lord has led you to continue. Be encouraged to reverence God by continuing to obey him, even though you may wonder, "How long, Lord?"

God loves you. He has a good plan. His timing is always perfect. Keep on, as Noah did, "doing all that God commands".

Prayer

Lord, help me honor you by trusting you and being willing to wait on you. Even though I get discouraged at times, help me remember that you are in control and that your way is the best way, your time the best time. In Jesus' name …

These thoughts were drawn from …

Godly Heroes: A Small Group Study of Hebrews 11 by Jimmy Ray Lee, D.Min. This guide presents a step-by-step study of Hebrews 11. It also features the profile of the characteristics of Godly heroes, written in language that relates to today's living. In this guide you will find definitions, characteristics and examples of the heroes' faith life. Note: This curriculum was written especially for small groups, and we encourage people to use it that way. However, it can also be used effectively as a personal study for individuals or couples.